Sent to Hampden Sydney.

Anecdote.

and fidelity, the abundant prayers and indefatigable zeal of Harlan Page have been embalmed by my early and respected friend Mr. Hallock, in the pages of the American Tract Society. That most efficient principle of action-individuality of effort for the salvation of individuals-which was the secret of Page's success, was well illustrated through Walton's life. To this principle he added another—that of exciting others to like aggressive movements upon the ranks of the enemy. Though among the most modest and retiring of men, he did not fear the face of a fellow being, when charged with a message from God to his soul.

It was determined by the Presbytery that their young candidate should be sent to Hampden Sydney College, at Prince Edward, there to engage in studies suitable to his present advancement in knowledge. Accordingly, in the autumn of 1811, he repaired to that institution, with a firm resolution, as well to cultivate the graces of Christian living, as to seek attainments in human learning. That a successful progress may be made in both; that the eminence of the scholar, and the pre-eminence of the Christian may be combined in the same individual, was happily illustrated in such men as Leighton, Baxter, Taylor, Howe, Boerhaave, Halyburton, Edwards, Mather, Martyn, and a host of others, who seemed to love the maxim of Luther, "bene orasse, bene studuisse,"* or that of higher authority and deeper import, "THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY IS

UNDERSTANDING." Prov. ix. 10.

Speaking of the state of his mind at Prince Edward, he says: "I have been enabled to pray, (apparently) more devoutly than ever before-have made a very regular attendance on that duty." But change of place did not produce exemption from temptation. He was much troubled with "proud and rebellious thoughts." Against these

* "To pray well is to study well."

The misery of diffidence.

Overcome by grace.

he contended, like the Christian Pilgrim with Apollyon, and like him, through grace helping, gained the victory, though in much tribulation.

Under date of Dec. 24, 1811, he says: "For a few days past I have been considerably relieved; have prayed heartily to be delivered, and to be enabled to love this blessed Being, against whom my corrupt heart rose; have been more desirous lately than usual of living spiritually minded, and to be enabled to set my affections supremely on God; have been at several prayer meetings here, at some of which have enjoyed myself a good deal, and am in hopes derived some advantage from them. But I am exceedingly diffident, expecting to be called on every time, keeps me out of order, and prevents my deriving that advantage, which I am persuaded I should otherwise have; but what is most to be regretted of all is, that it renders me unable to pray with fervor and sincerity, as I am so much embarrassed, that it causes me to tremble considerably, and in some measure to lose my recollection."

Many young Christians have felt this. There is no better remedy than earnest and importunate secret prayer with reference to this difficulty. This has stopped the mouths of lions, and quenched the violence of that fear which bringeth a snare,' and destroys the pleasure of the social prayer meeting. Many a formidable difficulty rises before the mind of the humble aspirant towards the sacred office, but He who called Moses from his retirement in Midian, where he fed his father's flocks, to assume the chief magistracy of his people, will be with thy mouth and teach thee what thou shalt say,' Oh trembling brother, if thou art 'not eloquent, but slow of speech and of a slow tongue.'

Such was William C. Walton by nature, but God made him a very useful man. Heaven has already received some of the jewels of his ministry. Others, we trust, are preparing to shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their

Being dead, he yet speaketh.

Father. Perhaps though dead, he may still speak to the living through the bright example of his holy life, and the tender recollection of his unwearied labors for those, who I will see his face and hear his voice no more!

CHAPTER III.

His youthful diary.

THUS far we have given a consecutive sketch of the prominent features of the early character, and the facts of the early life of Mr. Walton, but to those who love religious biography, it is both pleasant and profitable to enter into the bosom secrets of a mind that is in the daily habit of holding high converse with its Author and Redeemer. We wish to become more intimately acquainted with the thoughts of the pious; to participate in their exercises; to rejoice in their joy; to sympathize with their sorrow; in fine, to tread with them the path of their pilgrimage, while as our own Christian poet has said,

"Alternate sunshine, bitter tears"

illumine or sadden the scene. Into the temple of the soul we desire to enter, and not satisfied with a view of the outer court, we would penetrate into its most holy recess, and there upon the altar of the broken heart, contemplate the sacrifice, which sends its sweet savor up to God. In a private journal kept by Walton at the age of eighteen he thus writes:

"Sabbath-day, Dec. 29th, 1811.-Upon a review of my past life, I can see nothing but a scene of rebellion and

Difficulties and corruptions.

opposition to God, (sad marks of a depraved and corrupted heart!) being sensible that my remaining corruptions are painful, (though not enough so,) such as inability to love God and Christ, to meditate on heavenly things with delight. I have not those heart affecting, transforming, and humbling views of Christ that I would wish to have; in fact at times when I am reading of affectionate devotion, my corruptions are excited, in opposition to my rational desire to live a life of holiness. If I know my own heart, I believe that holiness with the rest of the doctrines of Christianity is calculated to make us happy both now and forever. I cannot place my dependence and faith in Christ nor plead for blessings for his sake, as I would wish, although my dependence is on free grace and mercy, for I am sensible that I can do nothing which would give me a title to the favor of God. Sometimes I have such views of the difficulties of living a holy life, that they almost discourage me, until I can exercise faith in God, (although it is weak) hoping he will in due time enable me to exercise that faith on Christ which works by love and purifies the heart; and many other corruptions such as envy, pride, etc.—all of which render me very weak: my resolutions I have hitherto made have proved also very weak. Therefore hoping that God will strengthen me with blessings suited to my wants, and build me up in the most holy faith, I shall enter into some resolutions respecting my future conduct, to which, as far as they are agreeable to His will, I trust that He will enable me to conform."

REMEMBER TO READ THESE RESOLUTIONS OVER ONCE A

WEEK.

1. "Let me endeavor to raise my first thoughts in the morning to God and that they may be devout and thankful. 2. To rise early and pay my morning devotions to God, beg his assistance in the intended business of the day.

3. To set myself to read the scriptures every morning and evening, and to endeavor to grow in the knowledge of the same; also every morning to endeavor to meditate on spiritual things, then and at other times to be examining into the state of my soul, whether I grow in grace and have an interest in Christ or not.